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* I’ll use this post for reactions to governor’s AFSCME impasse statement. First up, Sen. Gary Forby…
“This latest inaction from the governor is just another step in his plan to make Illinois a right-to-work state. AFSCME has been able to negotiate contracts with governors for the past 30 years from each party in good faith. Just as with the budget, this governor is sidestepping negotiations and using the back door take employee benefits.
“Governor Rauner has said before that he wants chaos. What he fails to comprehend is the situation he’s creating means mothers and father can’t provide for their families, sick people go without health benefits and more people are steered to state-sponsored benefits instead of being able to provide for themselves. Now the governor’s hand-picked Labor Relations Board will decide whether or not the governor negotiated in good faith. I don’t think the people he appointed will decide against him. Looks corrupt if you ask me.”
Whew.
* Rep. Christian Mitchell…
“Today’s action by the governor is yet another example of him holding working families hostage to his far right political agenda. By walking away from the bargaining table, he continues to show an unwillingness to compromise.
“Public service workers – the people who help keep us safe, provide critical services for our most vulnerable, and respond to emergencies – deserve wages and working conditions that reflect the importance of the work they provide our state. They are often our neighbors, our friends or our family members. Today, Governor Rauner turned his back not just on our public service workers, but our entire state.
“I call on the governor to rejoin the bargaining table, negotiate in good faith, and find a solution that is fair to both our state employees and the citizens of Illinois.”
Despite an ongoing battle with the Chicago Teachers Union (which is backing his primary opponent to the hilt yet again), Rep. Mitchell has been endorsed by the Chicago Federation of Labor, Illinois AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 31, SEIU Illinois State Council and others.
* Rep. Lou Lang…
“It is extremely disappointing that Governor Rauner has terminated negotiations with AFSCME. Apparently he wants to provoke a confrontation and disruption of state operations. That would mean the loss of vital services relied upon by millions of Illinois residents every day, as well as further instability in the state’s business climate.
“That is why I and other lawmakers sought to enact a fair process for contract resolution through neutral arbitration last fall. Maintaining public services is critical, and such a process needs to become law.”
* Rep. Rob Martwick…
“I am extremely disappointed that Gov. Rauner is using procedural maneuvers in an attempt to force a strike by state workers. This action contradicts his promise to negotiate in good faith. The state workers have negotiated in good faith, have recently offered compromise on wages, health insurance and other important issues. Most importantly the employees have been and continue to be willing to negotiate.
Today, we see Gov. Rauner’s true intentions. His rhetoric during his campaign for governor was about forcing a strike, and today it is clear that he’s been on this path all along. His agreements with other bargaining units cover a very small portion of state employees. Now, along with his failings as governor to propose a balanced budget and find solutions to our state’s financial problems, he is putting Illinois taxpayers at risk of losing access to vital government services, causing more suffering for decent, hard-working families.”
So far, I’ve received no press releases from any Republican legislators or from the two caucus leaders (or the Democratic leaders, for that matter). Keep an eye on this for updates, however.
…Adding… Rep. Kelly Cassidy…
This morning, Governor Rauner declared an impasse in negotiations with AFSCME, the union that represents over 38,000 child protection workers, nursing aides, correctional officers, human service workers and other state employees. Prior to this week, there was no indication negotiations would be broken off, and AFSCME has expressed their willingness to continue to bargain and work to find common ground.
Declaring an impasse creates chaos and is not the path to reaching a fair agreement. Negotiations are inherently difficult, but dedication to working through differences and achieving compromise is critically important.
Our state employees that help to keep us safe, respond to emergencies and care for our most vulnerable deserve more than bad faith negotiations and brutal cuts. Their work is vitally important, and putting in whatever effort it takes to reach a fair agreement is equally important.
I strongly urge all parties to recommit to sincere negotiation and work through the process to achieve compromise. While it is unclear what the result of an impasse could be, a strike or lockout would be devastating. Our social service system has already faced crushing difficulties under the budget impasse, causing many organizations to reduce services or shut their doors. This would further reduce critically important services for our most vulnerable citizens.
* Sen. Dave Koehler…
Having already shutdown the state budget process, Gov. Bruce Rauner is now walking away from labor talks with the state’s largest employee union.
On Friday, his office said there is an impasse in negotiations, even though labor groups claim they are willing to keep working toward a compromise.
“The Governor’s asking for an impasse to be declared by the labor board is disappointing. If this is a step to force a last and best offer on state workers, it will add even more chaos to state government,” said State Senate Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “This is why I supported SB1229 – to engage both sides into interest arbitration as a way to settle the labor contract with AFSCME. Interest arbitration has been used successfully with police and firefighters in Illinois for many years, and would offer a reasonable way to end this dispute.”
Though the Rauner administration has contended it has reached settlements with all other unions representing state employees, in fact, no settlements have been reached with the six other unions representing more than 25,000 state employees, including state troopers and thousands of child and home health care providers.
“What we don’t need is to force state workers out on strike. The situation with not having a budget is bad enough. Let’s not make things worse,” said Koehler. “Compromise is hard work. I urge all involved to look for ways either through arbitration or mediation, to resolve the differences between the administration and the union.”
According to AFSCME, this past week, the union presented three separate proposals to the State, in which wages and health care were modified to better align with the administration’s framework, and an IDOC proposal was altered to create a joint labor-management committee to improve rehabilitative opportunities for inmates.
* Sen. Linda Holmes…
State Sen. Linda Holmes issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Unfair Labor Practices Act petition to the Labor Relations Board against the largest state employee union.
The move is the first step in the possible declaration of an impasse in negotiations, a move which could force employees to strike.
“Governor Rauner assured the state employees who protect children, provide care to veterans and the elderly, staff our prisons and maintain our infrastructure that he would not walk away from the bargaining table or provoke a strike,” said Holmes, D-Aurora. “We can see now that he does not intend to honor that promise.”
The governor’s office has reached settlements with unions representing about 5,000 state employees, but negotiations have continued with six unions representing more than 25,000 state employees, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31. Among employees still waiting for a settlement are nurses, state troopers and thousands of home health care and child care providers legally defined as state employees for purposes of collective bargaining.
“This is picking a fight at a time when both sides should be working to reach an agreement,” Holmes said. “AFSCME has shown a willingness to negotiate in good faith, and Governor Rauner should do the same.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** Our first leader’s response in either party is from Jim Durkin…
“It is disappointing that after eleven months and 24 bargaining sessions there is no agreement on a new labor contract with AFSCME. Based upon the latest offer from AFSCME, it does not appear that they are sincere about negotiating with the administration and are not willing to make concessions regardless of the state’s ability to pay. I am stunned that AFSCME is still clinging to their 37.5 hour work week when 17 labor unions representing state employees agreed to a 40 hour week with the administration. Governor Rauner is correct in seeking a decision from the Illinois Labor Relations Board to determine whether there is an impasse. Governor Rauner has negotiated in good faith with AFSCME but at some point this must be brought to a conclusion for both taxpayers and state employees.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno…
“Governor Rauner has clearly demonstrated he can successfully negotiate labor contracts by compromising with unions. He has reached agreement with 17 labor unions which have been ratified by more than 80 percent of union members. He has also shown that he is a true advocate for taxpayers at the negotiation table — something AFSCME may not be accustomed to – but it’s the undisputed reality of our financial crisis.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…
State Representative Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein) has expressed his unhappiness at the news Gov. Bruce Rauner has been forced to ask the Labor Relations Board to weigh-in on contract negotiations between his administration and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Good faith negotiations agreed to in September appear to have stalled, causing the Governor to ask for the Labor Relations Board to rule on the matter of an impasse.
“It’s very unfortunate that the Governor has had to call on the Labor Relations Board to make a determination about an impasse with AFSCME,” said Sullivan. “Despite many claims to the contrary, Gov. Rauner has worked tirelessly to negotiate in good faith through 24 bargaining sessions and has already come to agreement with 17 other unions representing state employees. AFSCME doesn’t seem to understand that Illinois taxpayers are unable to handle the $3 billion in additional costs they are demanding.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle…
“It is my view that leaders of government and its employees should work together for the public good. In our state, this often means reaching a mutually agreeable resolution in contract negotiations with collective bargaining units of government employees.
“Declaring an impasse as a way to pressure public service workers is, in my view, short-sighted and does nothing to engender trust between parties.
“In Cook County, we negotiated and have reached agreements with almost 100 separate collective bargaining units. I would urge the Governor to rethink his position, return to the negotiating table and respect the collective bargaining process.”
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 1:54 pm
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===So far, I’ve received no press releases from any Republican legislators or from the two caucus leaders.===
Hopefully the Labor Movement reads, and also remembers when AFSCME needed the help of the HGOP, what color lights were lit.
Yellow ain’t helpin’…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 1:59 pm
Has either side in this been negotiating in ==good faith==? Seems unlikely.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:01 pm
I would like to see something from Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez. This is an important issue for her constituents and it is time for her to get off the sidelines and into the game.
Comment by State House Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:02 pm
I think the main goal of the governor is that he wants employees to pay higher healthcare costs and he wants to replace high paid union employees either through layoffs or salary reductions. He can do this in the private sector. This is running the state as a business, which is what he campaigned on.
Comment by Pointed Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:03 pm
The governor’s office is writing the GOP solons’ press releases as we speak.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:09 pm
===I think the main goal of the governor is that he wants employees to pay higher healthcare costs and he wants to replace high paid union employees either through layoffs or salary reductions.===
It will be up to Labor to … vote accordingly
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:11 pm
“What he fails to comprehend is the situation he’s creating means mothers and father can’t provide for their families, sick people go without health benefits and more people are steered to state-sponsored benefits instead of being able to provide for themselves.”
Gov. Rauner comprehends this. He just doesn’t care. Our short-term pain for the 1 percent’s long-term gain.
Comment by Northsider Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:14 pm
Can the legislature do something to help us?
Comment by Honeybear Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:17 pm
=== Can the legislature do something to help us? ===
Honeybear, one word answer. “Dunkin”
Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:20 pm
===Can the legislature do something to help us?===
Doubtful, at best.
Rauner wants you defeated, Rauner isn’t looking for whispers in his ear from GOP GA members that he already owns they’re switches.
The best way the GA can help is in March, Raunerites are defeated in a first wave.
Sorry, but that’s about it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:21 pm
- Norseman - is On It.
Dunkin’s defeat sends a message.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:24 pm
Can we do a throwback Thursday next week and go back to 2013 about legislators talking about pension reform and AFSCME’s press releases denouncing these legislators… Politics makes strange bedfellows.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:30 pm
Norseman 2:09 is probably right on.
And it is Friday, so we have a couple of hours before they can mail them in at the end of the day.
Comment by Finally Out (and now very glad to be) Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:32 pm
Several members of the GA, IEA and IFT are backing AFSCME. Nothing yet from the Governor’s side? IPI? Tribune editorial board? Millionaire’s Wine Club?
Comment by A Jack Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:32 pm
Hi Rich,
Status Quo, blah, blah. Bring back Illinois, blah, blah. Special Interests, blah, blah. Union bosses, blah, blah. 17 Unions, blah blah.
Thanks.
- ck
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:32 pm
Oh, also, Madigan and the legislators he controls, blah, blah.
Thanks again!
- ck
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Have these legislators been briefed by both sides as to the status of the negotiations? Who wants to bet on the negative?
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:36 pm
Christian Mitchell’s “take” on the issue is disingenuous at best. He ran hard against a pro-union candidate in the 2014 primary, has received quite a bit of corporate money in the last quarter and took in a $15,000 contribution from Stand for Children. Please tell me, Rep. Mitchell, is your support an inch deep and mile wide? Because it certainly seems that way.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:37 pm
For far too long in this state, “negotiating” has meant AFSCME getting pretty much what they want and Democrats getting pretty much what they want. Virtually all the time - at least since the Dems won the Senate. For the first time in a long time, there’s a check on their power that they absolutely refuse to acknowledge. Negotiating is BOTH sides having to give in order to move forward. As far as I can see, neither AFSCME nor the Democrats in Illinois have been willing to negotiate at all. I wish that weren’t the case, but it is. And until that perception is changed, I don’t see the average voter siding against the Governor.
Comment by Anon Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:38 pm
And no offense to Gary Forby, but you gotta love the magic of a polished press release.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:38 pm
>So far, I’ve received no press releases from any Republican legislators
I’m looking forward to those.
Comment by Earnest Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Ugh, can we get an Oscar picture please?
Comment by Just Me Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Since when is wrong for the Governor to not compromise and right for the GA and AFSCME to not compromise? If the Gov’s account of the latest AFSCME offer is accurate I’m not seeing much compromise on AFSCME’s part. It’s sad to see the Democrats in the GA decry the non-funding of MAP grants, which they can of course vote to fund and override a veto, and in the next breath support wage increases for the largest state employee union. The obvious answer is that poor college kids don’t contribute to the campaign coffers. It’s unfortunate that the Democrats can talk a good game, but take no actual action, about how evil the governor is when it comes to not caring about the impoverished, but when it comes to a threat to AFSCME it’s all hands on deck. Also, love Forby’s corruption quote about the LRB which is a statutory creation, which Sen. Forby can make moves to change. Funny how that is corruption but accepting union campaign money and then serving as a mouthpiece for unions isn’t corruption.
Comment by Jon Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:47 pm
===“negotiating” has meant AFSCME getting pretty much what they want===
Quinn had to negotiate for 18 months. And the resulting pay raises weren’t huge.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:48 pm
I can’t see the governor implementing a lockout. Correct me if I’m wrong, but when impasse occurs, it is up to the union to do one of two things:
(1) strike
(2) continue to work under current/former contract terms (status quo)
Comment by NixonHead Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:51 pm
No one is talking anymore about the minuscule ROI on the turnaround agenda.
Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:55 pm
===…which they can of course vote to fund and override a veto…===
Ugh, another “override the Veto!”
Pay attention, how many vetoes have been overridden?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:56 pm
*yawn*
Shocking to see the legislators that have responded. All would negotiate away all the state has in return for the filling up of their respective campaign coffers.
And have any of the responding legislators ever held a job outside of government? Legit question. Looking for a friend.
Comment by Anon2U Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:56 pm
Nixonhead that is incorrect. Impasse then Best,Last and Final offer, then the choice between accepting the BLF or strike.
Comment by Honeybear Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:57 pm
===legislators ever held a job outside of government?===
Forby is quite well off from years in the private sector.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:57 pm
Does anyone know exactly how far apart the two sides are in this dispute? There has been very little, if any, accurate information available to union employees. What is the union asking for? Is it reasonable? Is management being reasonable? The State is in bad shape, there’s going to have to be some give and take on both sides.
Comment by Reasonable Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:57 pm
===It’s unfortunate that the Democrats can talk a good game, but take no actual action, about how evil the governor is when it comes to not caring about the impoverished, but when it comes to a threat to AFSCME it’s all hands on deck.===
It’s like you slept through the Fall 2015 session.
Are you serious, or just a gag? If you’re a gag, let me in on it, I love a good joke.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Where’s Dunkin’s press release?
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Brucie is channeling Trump…or vice versa.
Comment by D.P.Gumby Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:13 pm
Why is Rep. Cassidy hedging? “I strongly urge all parties to recommit ..” All parties? Is she saying AFSCME is at fault here too?
Comment by Mytown Chitown Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:17 pm
Thanks to Senator Linda Holmes for standing up to Governor Rauner once again!
Comment by NewWestSuburbanGOP'er Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:19 pm
“…but at some point this must be brought to a conclusion for both taxpayers and state employees.”
SMH, (awe heck, everything I want to say will get me banned)
Comment by BumblesBounce Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:20 pm
To the Durkin update–
Let’s find, review, and reconcile these talking points about the 17 contracts that have been completed.
With this group you really have to look at source information because they are too quick to play a confidence game about what their “truths” are.
Comment by cdog Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:23 pm
“If the Gov’s account of the latest AFSCME offer is accurate I’m not seeing much compromise on AFSCME’s part. It’s sad to see the Democrats in the GA decry the non-funding of MAP grants, which they can of course vote to fund and override a veto,”
You just nullified your whole post. Only die hards believe the Union always lies and the Governor always tells the truth. The governor doesn’t compromise at all. He takes things off the table and then calls that compromise. And name one time the the Dems were able to just decide to overturn a veto? Oh yeah…one time…when Rauner said it was ok.
Please keep up.
Comment by sideline watcher Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:31 pm
As much as I hate to admit this, the “grass-man” nailed it yesterday: Why would the unions WANT to come to an agreement with someone who doesn’t even hide the fact that he’s out to destroy them?
Declaring an impasse is exactly what Rauner was planning all along. Anyone who disagrees is leaving in a dream world.
Comment by Reading between the lines Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:32 pm
“Fort Sumter” revisited.
Comment by Buzzie Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:35 pm
“Now the governor’s hand-picked Labor Relations Board will decide whether or not the governor negotiated in good faith. I don’t think the people he appointed will decide against him. Looks corrupt if you ask me.”
Sounds like lawmakers view the Illinois Labor Relations Board as a Rauner rubber stamp.
Can SB1229 be resurrected?
Comment by Independent retiree/lawyer/journalist Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:35 pm
Rep. Durkin: “I am stunned that AFSCME is still clinging to their 37.5 hour work week when 17 labor unions representing state employees agreed to a 40 hour week with the administration.”
This is the sticking point you want to focus on? Really? I get it, it polls well, but absolutely meaningless when the other points include ratcheting up healthcare costs.
Rep. Durkin - get a clue or have Rauner buy one for you.
Comment by Dee Lay Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:38 pm
“Forcing state workers to strike”?! Are some legislators really trying to sell that line of goofiness? If so, Labor’s already lost the PR war.
Comment by Georg Sande Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:42 pm
State employees get paid twice a month not every 2 weeks. 37.5 reflects that. How many times does this need to be said? Looking at jobs in sc. my husbands in construction and could work year round. Where’s the buyout?
Comment by present Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:44 pm
Hmmm… the statements by the two GOP leaders sound an awful lot like the statements by the Governor and AFP. It’s almost as if they were written for them by someone else. Curious.
Comment by Xavier Woods Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:45 pm
To the Leaders updates;
Understandable, measured, simple, and calm.
Nothing to feed the hysteria.
Well done.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm
Are “core contract proposals” and “turnaround agenda” synonymous terms? I’m only asking because it seems the consequences of rejecting either are eerily similar.
Comment by pundent Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:47 pm
=== - present - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:44 pm:
State employees get paid twice a month not every 2 weeks. 37.5 reflects that. ===
What?!?
Comment by Birdseed Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:49 pm
I dont trust either side. I wonder what is included in the most recent proposals from each side.
Comment by Go Huskies Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:52 pm
I wish someone in the media woukd fact check and do some accurate reporting.
Rauner gave the 17 unions he reached agreement with their contracts version of step increases, and no significant change to healthcare costs. Those other contracts start employees at 20% below salary and give them. 5% raise each year until they git the cap.
rauner never offered step increases and no change in healthcare costs to afscme.
also on the 40hr work week…. it looks like the majority of those employees were already on 40hr work weeks.
Comment by Ghost Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 3:55 pm
Just out of curiosity:
Given the state of the economy, next-to-no inflation these past years, and Illinois budget crisis, what concessions would YOU demand of AFSCME, if any, if you were negotiating on behalf of the state.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:00 pm
Both leaders offer lame talking points straight from the governors office. They will follow him blindly. Democrats will pick up some new votes this cycle.
Comment by GOP Extremist Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:02 pm
Can’t Radogno and Durkin think for themselves, or do they have to wait for Rauner’s “superstars” and AFP to write their releases?
Comment by NewWestSuburbanGOP'er Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:04 pm
“- lake county democrat - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:00 pm:”
Lake county ck, there fixed it
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:07 pm
Birdseed. Twice a month. 24 times.52 weeks divided by 2 is 26. Ugh. Most employees arent hourly. See?
Comment by present Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:07 pm
Rauner:
It is my ball, you don’t plat fair. I’m taking it and going home, and tell mommy.
Comment by Big Foot Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:08 pm
=== Can’t Radogno and Durkin think for themselves, or do they have to wait for Rauner’s “superstars” and AFP to write their releases? ===
They are thinking for themselves. It goes like this: “we have to make our campaign fund benefactor very happy so we’ll repeat his rhetoric as expected.”
P.S. Anyone else notice all the different number of bargaining sessions that are being referenced.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:09 pm
@Lake County, tell AFSCME to go along with the salary freeze, in exchange, other than a small increase in the co pay, no other changes in Health Insurance benefit.
Comment by The Dude Abides Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:10 pm
All this 37.5 talk today makes me want to bash my head on the desk.
A large number of state workers work 8:30am to 5pm. That is 8.5 hours. We get an hour lunch that is unpaid. That brings it down to 7.5. That is what makes it 37.5 a week. But it’s really a 42.5 hour work week. We just don’t get paid for 5 of those hours.
Comment by There is power in a union... Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:11 pm
Dunkin…Dunkin…Representative Ken Dunkin…where are you?
Comment by sideline watcher Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:12 pm
Despite the opinions regarding my post, it remains true that the GA Democratic Caucus can’t seem to get it together to override a veto. Whether they can’t come to a consensus in the drafting of the original legislation or whether when the spotlight is on individuals members falter; I’m not an expert, I can only offer my opinion. But I think the end result is that they have to work harder and together as a caucus and actually make courageous stands. I don’t believe the AFSCME contract is where they should be making these stands. Impasse is not that bad, if the impasse is recognized by the LRB it goes to arbitration and likely the arbitrator is going to give AFSCME some of what it wants and CMS some of what it wants. I just think it’s unfortunate that the legislators speaking up for AFSCME will likely see a little something from AFSCME in their campaign coffers and continue the anti-Rauner rhetoric because they don’t seem to have the courage to take on the bigger issues in Illinois. Just like Obama is the boogeyman for the Tea Party, Rauner is the boogeyman for Illinois Democrats, and Madigan the boogeyman for Illinois Republicans and all these groups can just fill the airwaves, blogs, and newspapers on how bad their particular boogeyman is and how he is to blame for all of our woes and not actually govern. It’s a shame that Illinois’s latest “victim” is AFSCME members, who are actually doing pretty good for themselves with their 37.5 hour weeks, good pay, great health insurance, defined benefit pension, 10 paid vacation days starting your first year, 3 personal days, and numerous state holidays, etc., etc. There is a lot more deserving “victims” the GA Dems should be focusing on and they need to get to work.
Comment by Jon Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:12 pm
The Speaker’s still ‘winning’, right?
Comment by Lincoln Lad Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 4:16 pm